In any social situation, you naturally benefit from some interactions more than others. When I met “Linda”, I experienced my first friendship with someone living with dementia. I feel it’s important to interact with all older adults, even those living with dementia, as equals. In my care, there is no way I am going to act in a condescending manner, I am there to support them.

When I began my creative programming work during the pandemic, I was utilizing every ounce of creativity I could and was putting the “f” in u-n. I wanted to make sure that the residents enjoyed themselves. All around me, the world was most literally stagnant (even though everyone was panicking). I needed to wear my hero-cape and intervene, and try to save the day!

“Linda” slowly warmed to me throughout our creative programming work. Although, living with dementia, it took her twice as long to do things, and sometimes she became emotionally distressed, it was clear she enjoyed encountering my playful and authentic nature as I provided creative engagement. To this day, it touches my heart when I see “Linda” around the long- term care center, and her eyes light up when she sees me. Although the observations of “Linda’s” engagement were just that; observations that were not data-based, these insights are what inspired me to want to study, via an anonymous survey, the effects of creative programming on socialization and mental levels.

From the experiences that I had with her, it was clear to me that the work that I was doing was benefiting “Linda”. I noticed her warming up to others, and the way she carried herself began to change. She began to smile more and engage in a more positive manner. I think “Linda” really sensed that I cared about her well being, and that I touched her on a very authentic, spiritual and human level. Witnessing the journeys of residents like Linda is one of the reasons I continue to work in long- term care.

When I embarked on a journey of self growth and self-determination, as a part of the 4th year, Social and Community Development Program at Sheridan College, I discovered that I would be a part of a program long cumulative research project geared around one question – in which ways does the implementation of creative programming engage with socialization and mental health in Ontario? I created a 10-question anonymous survey on MS Forms that spoke to assessing potential benefits in terms of creative programming for socialization and mental health. How did I determine this? I looked at whether or not older adults experienced increased laughter, decreased emotional distress and an increase in social bond formation. I also considered the ways in which the length that participants had worked in the field had contributed to outcomes of benefits in the areas of socialization and mental health.

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The evidence pointed towards finding that creative programming had social and emotional benefits all associated with positive socialization and mental health. We know that isolation (especially during the pandemic) and poor mental health are all factors that contribute to the overall decline of health among older adults. When I worked in long-term care over the pandemic, I saw first hand how isolation contributed to poor mental health. These experiences made me want to inquire into this specific research process in order to assess what benefits came from the kind of work I had been engaging in so very passionately.

So you’ve heard about creative programming, but did you know that creative programming can be implemented in multiple settings, and display itself in different, colorful ways? An example of a setting that implements creative programming is Acclaim Health. Alternatively, outside the realm of Long Term Care, community centers, such as “S.E.N.E.C.A, Adult Day Program” in downtown Oakville, and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario – could be sites of interest. Specifically, within the long-term care setting, or even community organization settings, creative programming can manifest as art therapy, music therapy and can serve to celebrate holidays and other festive events, such as Chinese New Year. Within a long term care center, for example, creative programming might present as a drum circle, a singing program, a pastel workshop or portrait-making. These programs will be implemented and/or facilitated by a recreational therapist, one whom is usually educated in Gerontology, Social Work or Recreational Therapy – and whom has the knowledge of how to apply person centered activation and care. Creative programs offer social benefits, but because all people are either self identified, or simply spiritual beings in the natural human sense; they often activate their participants on this level. When older adults participate in creative programming, as my anonymous survey suggests, it is only natural to postulate that something trans-formative is capable of happening towards the older adult. This very transformation likely occurs because creative programming can offer benefits that include cognitive stimulation, emotional expression, social engagement, physical benefits, sensory achievement/mastery, stress reduction and quality of life.